R&B Singer B. Smyth on Finding Fame on YouTube

The Internet sensation spills about how he snagged a record deal and when to expect his upcoming album.

The nineteen-year-old Florida native first made a name for himself by posting music videos on his YouTube channel. Fast-forward two years, B. Smyth is an up-and-coming R&B crooner who has a bestselling single and record deal with Motown. He stopped by the Teen Vogue offices to chat about covering Stevie Wonder, teaming up with 2Chainz, and recording his debut album.

How did all of this—this being a Motown record deal and hit single with 2Chainz—come about?
"Two years I decided I wanted to pursue music as a career and didn't really know how I was I was going to do that, so I used the internet to my advantage and started putting up YouTube videos. I tried to post one at least every week. From there, I started to get a lot more traffic to my YouTube page and Twitter. Labels started contacting me and I had the privilege of being able to pick and choose where I wanted to go. I actually went to Motown last and felt they were the best fit for me."

Did you always know you wanted to go into music?
"I've always had a passion for music and singing, but it was kind of a hidden passion. My twelfth grade year, I was home-schooled because that's when I really started to pursue the YouTube thing. I was taking dance classes, five classes a week, and writing a song a week, and recording covers."

How did you decide to post covers on YouTube?
"I've seen a lot of other people get their start on YouTube. Sometimes you can't get studio time, so I basically used YouTube as my record label."

Are there any covers you'd still like to do?
"Now I'm really trying to focus on doing my original music, but I'd like to cover a Stevie Wonder song. Definitely a James Brown song, too."

Your single features 2 Chainz. Is there anyone else you'd like to work with?
"I really want to work with Kendrick Lamar."

When will your debut album come out?
"Soon! I'm still recording and trying to wrap it up."